The role of surgeon general was first established in 1870, then known as “Supervising Surgeon,” and has undergone many changes since. According to SurgeonGeneral.gov, 1987 saw yet another change to the duties of the office:

In 1987, the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) was reestablished as a staff office within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health. Concomitant with this action, the Surgeon General again became responsible for management of the Commissioned Corps personnel system. (Note: The Surgeon General does not directly supervise all Commissioned Officers; most work in PHS or other agencies and report to line managers of those agencies who may or may not be in the Corps.)

In carrying out all responsibilities, the Surgeon General reports to the Assistant Secretary for Health, who is the principal advisor to the Secretary on public health and scientific issues.

While liberals will find anything they can to whine about, Trent-Adams is extremely qualified for her position and has ample military experience, a Ph.D, and has worked in intensive medical situations through her experience in the Navy.